Whenever I preach on stewardship, I get a lot of amens when I mention the value of hard work and responsibility. But when I begin to talk about giving, I feel like Peyton Manning on a visit to Foxboro. Nobody likes to hear the pastor talk about their money.
Yet generosity is a spiritual trait, just like responsibility and contentment. And the Bible says more about giving our money away than it does about earning it or saving it. If we hope to be mature disciples of Jesus, we have to wrap our minds around the idea that our money isn't really ours--we're managing it on behalf of God. As such, we don't even think about spending all of it on ourselves.
Here are three concepts that have helped me get a handle on giving money away.
Gratitude
Gratitude is at the heart of the principle of tithing. Both Abraham and Jacob gave a tenth of their goods in response to God's goodness. Only later was tithing made a law. The real reason we give God 10 percent of our earning is that we're grateful to him for all he's done for us.
When I made the decision to begin tithing, it was a profound spiritual landmark--a sign that I had fully "sold out" to God.
Compassion
The earthquake in Haiti has reminded us all how tenderhearted we can be. In our better moments, we feel genuine sorrow for people who are suffering. It's good that we give at times like these. And it's even better when we maintain an awareness of the fact that the world can be an ugly place.
When I give consistent offerings to agencies like World Hope International, we're acting like God, who remembers the orphans of the world.
Blessing
Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38).
We are blessed to be a blessing. And when we bless others, we benefit. When you give money away, you help others, you feel better, and you know that God will reward you. I don't think that means you get the money back with interest. But you can trust God to bless you in return.
What has helped you develop the virtue of generosity?
4 comments:
Nothing cultivates generosity than spending time with friends in abject poverty around the world. The North American church has much to learn from brothers and sisters in the hard places.
Adam, I couldn't agree more. Nothing opens the wallet like opening the eyes.
I think you meant to say Luke 6:38 instead of Matthew 6:38. :)
Mark ... Right you are. Good catch!
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